Reddit to add a new AI tool to give you the information you actually want
- The new Reddit Answers tool searches Reddit for the answer you want
- It produces a summary of the information on Reddit
- The feature is currently in testing and is only available in the US
Reddit is full of great information, if you can find it. Now the forum is testing an AI solution to dig up the factual information you’re looking for from the depths of the discussions. The new Reddit Answers tool, alluded to earlier this year, sorts all those messages for you and filters out any irrelevance (or personal digressions) from what you’re looking for.
Reddit Answers has a simple premise: you ask Reddit a question, and Reddit Answers searches relevant posts and discussions to give you curated answers. No more clicking through page after page of search results—just the insights, recommendations, and entertaining jokes you’re actually looking for.
For example, let’s say you’re planning a trip to Tokyo and want the best local food spots. Instead of scrolling through endless threads or asking a question and waiting hours for answers, ask Reddit Answers: “What are the best hidden food gems in Tokyo?” The AI collects summaries of discussions where people have already debated this topic, giving you a bite-sized collection of recommendations, complete with links to the original discussions for deeper research. Whether you want ramen joints hidden in alleys, quirky cafes, or sushi spots that only locals know about, Reddit Answers will help you figure out what you need.
Or maybe you’re staring at a long line of wood and nail options at the hardware store, thinking you can build a backyard deck yourself. Instead of sorting through conflicting opinions, Reddit Answers can summarize tips from r/HomeImprovement, like what materials to use, what mistakes to avoid, and links to step-by-step guides posted by fellow DIYers.
Reddit AI
Of course, if the summaries just whet your appetite, feel free to dig deeper. A quick summary explaining why a certain ’90s movie is becoming popular again is nice, but if you want to see all the arguments, jokes, and debates that led to that conclusion, you can skip to the end. from the original thread. It’s like getting a highlight reel before you decide if you want to binge the entire series.
Reddit Answers is currently testing only and is limited to US and English. The company has plans for a broader rollout if testing goes well. Reddit Answers also fits into Reddit’s broader push to integrate AI into its services. Earlier this year, Reddit announced a partnership with OpenAI, allowing the AI powerhouse to train its models using Reddit’s vast ocean of posts and comments.
Combining AI and the content on Reddit makes sense, as AI can be quite good at gathering information, but isn’t always great for people looking for specific information, especially on less active threads. But with AI summaries and guidance, you may find many more people leaning on the Reddit community for advice on everything from their personal lives to what electronics to buy, the source of a weird noise in your car, or even which website always has the best insight into the new AI tools being released so you can find those answers (hint: you’re already there).